Financials show Clarksville business leaders behind metro government movement

The idea of consolidated government in Clarksville-Montgomery County — or at least the pursuit of a form of metro government that appeals to the broadest community — appears to have significant support, particularly from local business leaders who have contributed to the political action committee, "Committee For a United Community."

Separately, the 15-member mayoral-appointed charter commission for consolidated government continues its meticulous work to draw up a proposed charter heading toward the November referendum on the question, essentially, of whether local city and county governments should be merged.

Twice before, the question has failed when put to a public vote. Officials have decided to try it a third time in 2018.

So far, PAC contributors have combined for $17,250, according to latest records from the Montgomery County Election Commission.

Here is a current list of PAC financial contributors for "Committee For a United Community":

Separately, the charter commission announced through a press release, Wednesday, that it will host a public meeting on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at East Montgomery Elementary School.

"The meeting is intended to be an information exchange," the release said. "The commission will give an update on its work, to include a summary of the articles of the proposed charter that have been reviewed and passed by the commission on first reading."

Those articles include Schools, Judiciary, Mayoral Duties and Legislative Body.

The commission said in the news release that, it is also seeking community input on issues to be addressed in the charter.

The charter commission was established in May 2017 by the adoption of consolidation resolutions by both the County Commission and City Council.

The charter commission is in the process of preparing a charter that will be filed with the Montgomery County Clerk no later than Aug. 9. The ratification or rejection of the proposed charter will be decided in the November 2018 referendum.

Reach Business Editor Jimmy Settle at 931-245-0247 and on Twitter @settle_leaf.